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Susan Collins: ‘I will not be voting for Donald Trump’

'My conclusion about Mr. Trump's unsuitability for office is based on his disregard for the precept of treating others with respect, an idea that should transcend politics,' she writes in a Washington Post op-ed.

I will not be voting for Donald Trump for president. This is not a decision I make lightly, for I am a lifelong Republican. But Donald Trump does not reflect historical Republican values nor the inclusive approach to governing that is critical to healing the divisions in our country.

When the primary season started, it soon became apparent that, much like Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., Mr. Trump was connecting with many Americans who felt that their voices were not being heard in Washington and who were tired of political correctness. But rejecting the conventions of political correctness is different from showing complete disregard for common decency. Mr. Trump did not stop with shedding the stilted campaign dialogue that often frustrates voters. Instead, he opted for a constant stream of denigrating comments, including demeaning Arizona Republican Sen. John McCain’s heroic military service and repeatedly insulting Fox News host Megyn Kelly.

U.S. Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, writes in an op-ed column for The Washington Post that she can not vote for Donald Trump. "Regrettably, his essential character appears to be fixed, and he seems incapable of change or growth," she writes. Press Herald File Photo

With the passage of time, I have become increasingly dismayed by his constant stream of cruel comments and his inability to admit error or apologize. But it was his attacks directed at people who could not respond on an equal footing – either because they do not share his power or stature or because professional responsibility precluded them from engaging at such a level – that revealed Mr. Trump as unworthy of being our president.

My conclusion about Mr. Trump’s unsuitability for office is based on his disregard for the precept of treating others with respect, an idea that should transcend politics. Instead, he opts to mock the vulnerable and inflame prejudices by attacking ethnic and religious minorities. Three incidents in particular have led me to the inescapable conclusion that Mr. Trump lacks the temperament, self-discipline and judgment required to be president.

The first was his mocking of a reporter with disabilities, a shocking display that did not receive the scrutiny it deserved. I kept expecting Mr. Trump to apologize, at least privately, but he did not, instead denying that he had done what seemed undeniable to anyone who watched the video. At the time, I hoped that this was a terrible lapse, not a pattern of abuse.

The second was Mr. Trump’s repeated insistence that Gonzalo Curiel, a federal judge born and raised in Indiana, could not rule fairly in a case involving Trump University because of his Mexican heritage. For Mr. Trump to insist that Judge Curiel would be biased because of his ethnicity demonstrated a profound lack of respect not only for the judge but also for our constitutional separation of powers, the very foundation of our form of government. Again, I waited in vain for Mr. Trump to retract his words.

Third was Donald Trump’s criticism of the grieving parents of Army Capt. Humayun Khan, who was killed in Iraq. It is inconceivable that anyone, much less a presidential candidate, would attack two Gold Star parents. Rather than honoring their sacrifice and recognizing their pain, Mr. Trump disparaged the religion of the family of an American hero. And once again, he proved incapable of apologizing, of saying he was wrong.

I am also deeply concerned that Mr. Trump’s lack of self-restraint and his barrage of ill-informed comments would make an already perilous world even more so. It is reckless for a presidential candidate to publicly raise doubts about honoring treaty commitments with our allies. Mr. Trump’s tendency to lash out when challenged further escalates the possibility of disputes spinning dangerously out of control.

I had hoped that we would see a “new” Donald Trump as a general-election candidate – one who would focus on jobs and the economy, tone down his rhetoric, develop more thoughtful policies and, yes, apologize for ill-tempered rants. But the unpleasant reality that I have had to accept is that there will be no “new” Donald Trump, just the same candidate who will slash and burn and trample anything and anyone he perceives as being in his way or an easy scapegoat. Regrettably, his essential character appears to be fixed, and he seems incapable of change or growth.

At the same time, I realize that Mr. Trump’s success reflects profound discontent in this country, particularly among those who feel left behind by an unbalanced economy and who wonder whether their children will have a better life than their parents. As we have seen with the dissatisfaction with both major-party nominees – neither of whom I support – these passions are real and the public will demand action.

Some will say that as a Republican I have an obligation to support my party’s nominee. I have thought long and hard about that, for being a Republican is part of what defines me as a person. I revere the history of my party, most particularly the value it has always placed on the worth and dignity of the individual, and I will continue to work across the country for Republican candidates. It is because of Mr. Trump’s inability and unwillingness to honor that legacy that I am unable to support his candidacy.

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justanotherfakename

Thank you Susan Collins, you regained my respect with your repudiation of Trump. And indeed, as you imply, we do not have to favor Hillary Clinton in order to find Donald Trump unfit, and dangerously unacceptable as a candidate for POTUS.

TheSage

Well stated. Susan has the courage others lack.

Gorhamite

Ms Collins statement is not courageous, it just goes along with the media flow..

TheWholeTruth

Thanks Susan. You made my choice easy when you’re up for reelection.

Gorhamite

So you also disavow nearly all the media and hateful liberals too? They have no respect for the views of others. You need to support the republican nominee Ms Collins, unless you are saying you really aren’t a republican..

MEPac

Which is more important to you, allegiance to your country or allegiance to a political party?

What do you think the Clintons have been doing for years and years with their speaking fees and Foundation contributions from sketchy sources. They are only in it for the money and only to reward the people who give them money.

Ybrad

You need to learn more about the Clinton Foundation and the good work they do.

Eddie Monster

Please cite examples when making such a blanket statement. While it appears the CF is for philanthropic purposes, it’s really a slush fund for the Clintons. I’d like to hear from you regarding examples of the good work they do.

Ybrad

More examples than you can count online. Do your own research. But will do you good.

Eddie Monster

You proved my point. You can’t even name one.

Ybrad

G-d you are lazy! Programs to fight deforestation and climate change (yes, it’s real), programs to lift women and girls out of poverty here and around the world, working with NGO’s to finance microbusinesses around the world, spearheading global work to fight AIDS, malaria and other devastating diseases, and a lot more. What are you doing to help you fellow citizens and the world?

Eddie Monster

See, it wasn’t that hard. When you make a statement, you need to cite examples to back up your statement even though you probably went to their website and copied it. As you will notice, most of these examples you cite are “initiatives” taking place in third world nations. The Clintons love to operate in third world nations because they love to skirt the rules and it’s easier to do so there. Slick Willy will start the process by offering up his services as a speaker to some organization, and for a fee (usually $250,000-500,00 per speech) he will make a speech about whatever topic he chooses. That organization will need some American tax dollar money and/or contributions, so Slick Willy will contact Madame Secretary of State Clinton and she will pull some strings and, viola, money comes rolling in! It started when she was a Senator from New York and flourished when she became Madame Secretary. It’s all documented if you want to spend some time and educate yourself instead of watching CNN all day.

Ybrad

Well you showed me. Must be so proud. I am happy to support anything that makes the world better. The actual work has all been well-documented for anyone who cares to take a look. What you allege is your opinion only. Buh-bye.

Ybrad

BTW – you never answered my question. What are you doing to contribute to a better world?

Eddie Monster

Plenty but mostly paying taxes and watching Democrats flush the money down the toilet to pay for their cradle to grave utopian society.

MEPac

Ha!! Donald Trump respects and has allegiance to himself and no other. Why else does he denigrate a Gold Star family, why else make fun of a disabled reporter, why else tell his contractors he’s “paid enough”. The only thing he wants is to win the election, he has no interest in being president and has, in fact, said he’ll let Pence set domestic and foreign policy.

HopeinSpace

Your response – indeed, your mindset, is what ultimately led to fascism and Nazism: blind adherence to an individual entity or person at the total exclusion

of right and wrong. I’m sad there are so many goons like you out there, but I’m heartened in my belief that come November Trump and his bootlickers and sycophants will be dumped into the dustbin of history.

Gorhamite

Sounds like Susan Collins won’t be voting for you either. Also, sounds like you are not a Hillary Clinton fan either. So are you just taking up space on here?

Soctt Sullivan

Interesting that this was written for the Washington Post. Do her constituents live in Washington or Maine? Shouldn’t this have been written for a paper in the district she represents?

Ybrad

That’s great. Now write one about Paul LePage who, if remember correctly, you support.

Gabriel

I have noticed over the years that often those who serve in public office live in a bubble which leaves them out of touch with the facts and susceptible to the politically correct narrative. Unfortunately this seems to be the case with Sen. Collins as reflected in her piece. For sake of brevity I will provide links to articles or videos debunking with facts the myths that Sen. Collins has allowed to sway her judgment.

1. Audiotape of “war hero” John McCain cooperating with the enemy in 1969:

2. Megyn Kelly has gotten over what Sen Collins cannot seem to.

3.. Trump, who frequently gestures with his hands, was not mocking the disabled reporter (who is not spastic):

5. Senator Collins as well as the MSM overlooks the fact that both Trump and Pence paid tribute to the Kahns’ sacrifice for our country. That is not the issue; rather, it is the accusations made by Mr. Khan, who has Muslim Brotherhood and Clinton Foundation ties, as part of a political scheme, which Trump sought to discredit.

neither Trump or Hillary are fit to be Pres. of this country. I know who I will vote for, But Senator, you say who you won’t be voting for and why. WHO WILL you vote for and what makes them fit to lead? As a leader from our its time to lead not take things half way

Eddie Monster

Collins is not a Republican so this is not big news. She’s part of the establishment and wants to keep the status quo. Let’s get her out too and start fresh with someone who isn’t a life long politician.